Portable encryption and authentication service module

ABSTRACT

Portable, hand-held electronic devices and methods to allow a user to anonymously utilize a host device are presented. The host device includes a processor to communicate with an application having a target network address. The portable, hand-held electronic devices includes an onboard database that stores user credential information and a portable encryption and authentication service module (PPEASM) that allows to make a secure communication channel with the host device. The PPEASM configures the processor of the host device to instantiate a virtual machine and render an encrypted messaging interface for communicating between the virtual machine and the application in the host device. Then, PPEASM can also configure the processor to negotiate authentication of the user with the application by utilizing the user credential information and information received through the encrypted messaging interface.

This application claims priority to our U.S. provisional patent application with the Ser. No. 62/109,523 filed Jan. 29, 2015 which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The field of the invention is secured authentication and communication.

BACKGROUND

The following description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

Cloud computing and storage solutions enable users to store and process their data in third-party data centers, which allows easy access and sharing of resources, data, and information among computers and other mobile devices. Generally, Authentication as a service (AaaS) and Encryption as a service (EaaS) are used to provide cloud-based storage of user credentials and access information to facilitate system authentication from a single repository as well as the encryption of data. However, the cloud based authentication and encryption services are volatile to the theft of root keys stored in the cloud-based storage. For example, if the cloud-based storage of service providers is compromised, then individual user's data and passwords can also be compromised.

Many technologies have been developed to provide safer encryption and authentication services in accessing host computer's application or database. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 8,522,018 to Molina discloses a portable or mobile Trusted Platform Module (TPM) based on the specification from the Trusted Computing Group (TCG) that is used to authenticate and help to maintain the security of a system and to provide a computer system with encryption capabilities. However, Molina's system is limited to authentication and encryption in a mobile or virtual environment, and cannot be used as a portable encryption and authentication agent.

Others have sought to solve the problem by providing a portable device that contains security information. For example, US Patent Application Number 2011/0246778 to Duane discloses a USB “Key” that contains information to generate a checksum to validate a virtual machine (VM) host image. When utilizing the VM image, the host system validates the image using the USB “Key”. Thus, if the USB drive were missing or if the validation failed, the host system would refuse to load the VM image. For another example, US Patent Application Number 2015/0074764 to Stern discloses a system that allows a portable device running VM to request an authorized access of the VM to the portable devices hardware or other resources via an authenticating server. For example, if a VM running on a mobile phone attempts to access the camera, the VM creates a secure connection to the server by exchanging a key and asks permission. However, these systems does not use VM and secure communications in order to provide encryption and authentication services.

All publications identified herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.

Thus, there is still a need for a portable system and method to provide encryption and authentication services in a remote or guest environment using the users' credentials.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The inventive subject matter provides encryption and authentication services in a remote or guest environment using the users' credentials in a portable device and/or application without using the credentials of the remote service provider or host machine.

One aspect of the invention relates a portable, hand-held electronic device. The hand-held electronic device is configured to allow a user to anonymously utilize a host device. The host device includes a processor to communicate with an application having a target network address, and a native operating system (OS) to run applications. The portable device includes an onboard database and an onboard memory. The onboard database stores user credential information, which can include a password, a challenge phrase, or a challenge phrase hash. In some embodiments, the onboard database further includes a static read-only data volume for certificate storage and a read/write data volume for runtime work.

The onboard memory stores software instructions. When executed by the processor, the instructions cause the processor to instantiate a virtual machine that runs on top of the native OS. The virtual machine has a Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) messaging server having an IP address different from any IP address of the host device. The instructions further cause the processor to render an encrypted messaging interface that utilizes the TCP/IP messaging server for communication between the virtual machine and the application over a TCP/IP networking layer, and negotiate authentication of the user with the application by utilizing the user credential information and information received through the encrypted messaging interface. Preferably, the virtual machine comprises a secure Linux Kernel.

In some embodiments, the application communicating with the virtual machine is configured to run on top of the native OS. In some other embodiments, it is also contemplated that the application runs on a remote device, which is communicatively coupled to the host device over a network.

In a preferred embodiment, software instructions cause the processor to establish a secured communication channel between the virtual machine and the application over the TCP/IP networking layer. Then the software instructions can also cause the processor to send the user credential information to the application through the secured communication channel. In some embodiments, the processor can encrypt the user credential information before sending the encrypted user credential to the target address. Further, the processor can also decrypt the information.

In some embodiments, the software instructions further configure the processor to provide a user interface that enables the user to interact with the application via the virtual machine.

In some embodiments, the host device further includes a network card. In these embodiments, the software instructions can further cause the processor to enable the virtual machine to utilize the network card to communicate with the application via an interface of the native OS.

Another aspect of the invention includes a computer-implemented method of authenticating a user to access an application having a target network address. The method includes steps of: 1) causing a processor of a host device to instantiate a virtual machine on top of a native OS running on the host device, wherein the virtual machine stores user credential information associated with the user, 2) instantiating, by the virtual machine, a Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) messaging server having an IP address different from any IP address of the host device, 3) rendering, by the virtual machine, an encrypted messaging interface that utilizes that. TCP/IP messaging server to communicate with the application over a TCP/IP networking layer, and 4) negotiating, by the virtual machine, authentication of the user with the application by utilizing the user credential information and information received through the encrypted messaging interface.

Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of private, portable encryption and authentication service module (PPEASM) in a device communicating with applications in a host computer.

FIG. 2 shows one embodiment of PPEASM in a host computer communicating with applications in the host computer.

FIG. 3 shows one embodiment of PPEASM in a host computer communicating with applications in a third party system.

FIG. 4 shows one embodiment of application with a client interface to interact with PPEASM.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Throughout the following discussion, numerous references will be made regarding servers, services, interfaces, engines, modules, machines, clients, peers, portals, platforms, or other systems formed from computing devices. It should be appreciated that the use of such terms is deemed to represent one or more computing devices having at least one processor (e.g., ASIC, FPGA, DSP, x86, ARM, ColdFire, GPU, multi-core processors, etc.) configured to execute software instructions stored on a computer readable tangible, non-transitory medium (e.g., hard drive, solid state drive, RAM, flash, ROM, etc.). For example, a server can include one or more computers operating as a web server, database server, or other type of computer server in a manner to fulfill described roles, responsibilities, or functions. One should further appreciate the disclosed computer-based algorithms, processes, methods, or other types of instruction sets can be embodied as a computer program product comprising a non-transitory, tangible computer readable media storing the instructions that cause a processor to execute the disclosed steps. The various servers, systems, databases, or interfaces can exchange data using standardized protocols or algorithms, possibly based on HTTP, HTTPS, AES, public-private key exchanges, web service APIs, known financial transaction protocols, or other electronic information exchanging methods. Data exchanges can be conducted over a packet-switched network, a circuit-switched network, the Internet, LAN, WAN, VPN, or other type of network.

The terms “configured to” and “programmed to” in the context of a processor refer to being programmed by a set of software instructions to perform a function or set of functions.

The following discussion provides many example embodiments of the inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.

As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the term “coupled to” is intended to include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms “coupled to” and “coupled with” are used synonymously. Further, the terms “coupled to” and “coupled with” are used euphemistically in a networking context to mean “communicatively coupled with” where two or more devices are configured to exchange data (e.g., uni-directionally, bi-directionally, peer-to-peer, etc.) with each other possibly via one or more intermediary devices.

The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of properties such as dimensions used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.

Unless the context dictates the contrary, all ranges set forth herein should be interpreted as being inclusive of their endpoints and open-ended ranges should be interpreted to include only commercially practical values. Similarly, all lists of values should be considered as inclusive of intermediate values unless the context indicates the contrary.

As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

The present invention provides systems and devices that allow a user to use user credentials stored on a personal, portable device to securely negotiate authentication with an application running on another device. In some embodiments, the secure negotiation of authentication is performed through a private, portable encryption and authentication service module (PPEASM). One of the advantages of this inventive subject matter is that the PPEASM can provide a user encryption and authentication services in a remote or guest environment using user credentials stored on a personal, portable device. The remote or guest environment in this disclosure refers to a third party device that is not under the user's control (e.g., a public computer in a library or a hotel, etc.). In some embodiments, the third party device can be a host device that is directly connected to the user's private device. In other embodiments, the third party device can be a remote device that is communicatively coupled to the user's private device over a network (e.g., the Internet, a LAN, etc.).

In some embodiments, the secure authentication of user is achieved through establishing secured communication channel between a virtual machine and the application through a SafeChannel as described in the co-pending U.S. Application concurrently filed with this application titled “Safechannel Encrypted Messaging System.”

Preferably, the PPEASM is a standalone software application that can be stored in the personal, portable devices such as a USB thumb drive or a memory card. However, it is also contemplated that in some embodiments, the PPEASM is a web service or system service that can be provided via a network.

Another advantage of the inventive subject matter includes a device that allows the user to anonymously access and utilize electronics (e.g., processor, memory, etc.) of a host device. In some embodiments, the host device can be a computing device having one or more processor. Preferably, a native operating system (OS) (e.g., Windows, Mac OS, Linux, UNIX, etc.) is already running on the host device.

In a preferred embodiment, the device is a portable, hand-held electronic device (e.g., a thumb drive, a CD-ROM, a cell phone, a smart phone, an iPod, an iPad, etc.). However, in some embodiments, it is also contemplated the device is a built-in device (e.g., a memory, etc) embedded into another device (e.g., a computer, a server, etc.). In these embodiments, the built-in device is independent from the host device.

The device includes an onboard database and an onboard memory (e.g., random access memory, solid state drive, etc.) storing executable version of the software instructions for the PPEASM software application. The onboard database can comprise various types of data volumes. In a preferred embodiment, the onboard database includes a static read-only data volume for certificate storage and a read/write data volume for runtime work.

The onboard database stores user credential information. As used herein, the user credential information includes any information that can be used to authenticate or validate user's identity and/or authority. For example, the user credential information can be any of a password, a challenge phrase, a challenge phrase hash, or a combination of any of those.

In a preferred embodiment, the user credential information is stored exclusively in the onboard database, but not stored in any remote service providers' systems or host devices. More preferably, the user credential information is stored in an encrypted read-only data volume within the onboard database, which is accessible using an encrypted messaging system. Thus, the user credential information is generally not modifiable and safe from the hostile environment that the onboard database may interact with.

FIG. 1 describes an exemplary environment 100 in which the PPEASM application 130 can be operated. The environment 100 includes a personal, portable device 125 (e.g., a USB thumb drive) and a host device 105. The host device can be a generic personal computer that is not under control of a user associated with the personal, portable device 125. The host device 105 usually includes several hardware components 120. For example, the host device 105 can include one or more processors, memory, persistent data storage such as a hard drive or a solid state drive, ports (e.g., USB sockets, etc.) for connecting with external devices, network cards, network interface for connecting the host device 125 to a network (e.g., the Internet, a LAN, etc.), and many others. The host device 105 can also include a native OS 115 for managing resources of the host device 105. In addition, the host device 105 can include one or more software applications (e.g., 110 a, 110 b, 110 c, etc.) that run on top of the native OS 115.

In some embodiments, the personal, portable device 125 includes memory that stores an executable version of the software instructions for the PPEASM application 130 and a database 135. When the personal, portable device 125 is connected to the host device 105 (e.g., by plugging the USB thumb drive into a USB socket of the host device 105, etc.), the host device can be triggered to run the PPEASM application 130. In some embodiments, the PPEASM application 130 is triggered to run on top of the native OS 115 of the host device 105.

Once the PPEASM application 130 is triggered to be executed by the processor of the host device 105, the PPEASM application 130 causes the processor to instantiate several modules, engines, or machines to perform functions of the PPEASM application 130. In some embodiments, the PPEASM application 130 causes the processor of the host device 105 to instantiate a native encrypted messaging interface 140, a hypervisor 145, and a virtual machine 150.

In a preferred embodiment, the virtual machine 150 is a kernel-based virtual machine, which includes a secure Linux Kernel. However, it is contemplated that any suitable types of virtual machine (e.g., any type 2 software based virtual machine that runs on a host operating system) such as VMware, Xen, VirtualBox, Qemu, etc.) that is capable to perform the functions described below can be used.

In some embodiments, the virtual machine 150 comprises a Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) messaging server 155 and a TCP/IP data streaming server 170. After the TCP/IP messaging server 155 and TCP/IP data streaming server 170 have been instantiated, the virtual machine 150 is programmed to retrieve all of the IP addresses associated with the host device 105 (e.g., IP address associated with the network card of the host device 105, etc.) by interfacing with the native OS 115. In some embodiments, the virtual machine 150 is then programmed to assign network addresses (e.g., IP addresses), that are distinct from any of the IP addresses associated with the host device 105, to the TCP/IP messaging server 155 and to the TCP/IP data streaming server 170. In some embodiments, the IP addresses assigned to TCP/IP messaging server 155 and the TCP/IP data streaming server 170 are identical. However, it is also contemplated that the IP addresses assigned to the TCP/IP messaging server 155 and the TCP/IP data streaming server 170 are different from each other.

The virtual machine 150 also includes an authentication and encryption module 160. The authentication and encryption module 160 is configured to negotiate authentication of user with other applications and provide secured communication between the PPEASM 130 application and the other applications. In some embodiment, instead of storing the user credential information in the data storage 135, the user credential information can be stored within an encrypted data volume 165 of the virtual machine 150.

In some embodiments, the virtual machine 150 can be instantiated, utilized and then unloaded within a limited time or upon the user's action (e.g., request, etc). In some other embodiments, the virtual machine 150 can be instantiated and loaded in a persistent mode to provide ongoing services.

Once the virtual machine 150 is instantiated, the PPEASM 130 further causes the processor 120 to render an encrypted messaging interface 140 on the host device 105. The encrypted messaging interface 140 utilizes the TCP/IP messaging server 155 for communicating between the virtual machine 150 and the applications 110 a, 110 b, 110 c over a TCP/IP networking layer.

In some embodiments, in order to enable the applications 110 a, 110 b, and 110 c to be able to communicate with the virtual machine 150 over the TCP/IP networking layer, an add-on (or a plug-in) must be added to the applications 110 a, 110 b, and 110 c. The add-on or plug-in can be implemented as a PPEASM interface that is programmed to interface with the virtual machine 150 via the TCP/IP messaging server 155 and the TCP/IP data streaming server 170. In some embodiments, the PPEASM interface has a distinct IP address (e.g., a target address) for this communication to occur.

The virtual machine 150 is programmed to interact with the user using a key/value pairs that are delineated using a special character. Through the encrypted messaging interface 140, the PPEASM 130 and the user establishes a secure connection. For example, the user can interact with the PPEASM 130 using a key/value pairs that are delineated using a special character. In a preferred embodiment, the virtual machine 150 comprises an Open SSL, and Rivest-Shamir-Adleman (RSA) Key based authentication method is used to establish the secure connection. In this embodiment, an encryption key is public and a decryption key is secretly kept in the encrypted data volume 165. However, in other embodiments, any suitable type of authentication method using user credential information can be used to establish the secure connection.

If the user credential information is accepted by the virtual machine 150, a token is issued to the virtual machine 150. In a preferred embodiment, the token is time sensitive such that when the token expires, the authentication process should start over.

Generally, the token is common to all transactions (e.g., authentication, hash function, encryption, compression, decryption that the user makes. In this scenario, a transaction ID is issued per each transaction so that the user and the PPEASM 130 can manage multiple transactions for the same client at one time.

As mentioned before, the virtual machine 150 is programmed to allow the user to interact with applications either running on the host device 105 or running on a remote device communicatively coupled with the host device 105. Thus, the virtual machine 150 needs to discover what applications running on top of the native OS 115 or running on other devices over a network. In some embodiments, the virtual machine 150 is programmed to broadcast a signal through its TCP/IP messaging server 155 over the TCP/IP networking layer. The signal includes the IP address that has been assigned to the TCP/IP messaging server 155. When the PPEASM interfaces that have been added onto the applications received such a signal, the PPEASM interfaces are programmed to send a reply to the virtual machine 150 at the IP address included in the broadcast signal. Each reply also includes the IP address that is assigned to the respective PPEASM interface.

Once the secure connection between the user and the PPEASM 130 is established, the PPEASM 130 can configure the hardware (processor) 120 of the host computer 105 to establish a secured communication channel between the virtual machine 150 and the applications 110 a, 110 b, 110 c over the TCP/IP networking layer. In a preferred embodiment, the PPEASM 130 can configure the hardware (processor) 120 to send the user credential information to the applications 110 a, 110 b, 110 c to establish a secured communication channel between the virtual machine 150 and the applications 110 a, 110 b, 110 c. In this embodiment, it is also preferred that the user credential information is encrypted by the authentication, encryption, decryption, and compression services module 160 in the virtual machine 150 before being transmitted to the applications 110 a, 110 b, 110 c.

Either automatically upon instantiation, or upon triggered by the user, the virtual machine 150 is programmed to establish a secured data channel with the applications running on the host device via the PPEASM interface associated with the application 110 a by negotiating a data encryption protocol. In a preferred embodiment, the virtual machine comprises an Open SSL, and Rivest-Shamir-Adleman (RSA) Key based authentication method is used to establish the secure connection. In this embodiment, an encryption key is public and a decryption key is secretly kept in the encrypted data volume 165. However, in other embodiments, any suitable type of authentication method using user credential information can be used to establish the secure connection. The secured channel allows the virtual machine 150 and the application 110 a to transfer encrypted data. In these embodiments, the encrypted messaging interface 140 is responsible for encrypting and decrypting data for the virtual machine 150, while the PPEASM interface is responsible for encrypting and decrypting data for the application 110 a.

Once a secured connection between the user and the virtual machine 150 and a secured connection between the virtual machine 150 and the applications 110 a, 110 b, and 110 c are established, the user can begin authentication process with the application by the exchange of user credential information (e.g., challenge phrases) via the encrypted messaging interface 140. In some embodiments, the virtual machine 150 is programmed to negotiate authentication of the user with one of the applications (e.g., applications 110 a, 110 b, and 110 c) so that the user can access the applications. In some embodiments, the virtual machine 150 is programmed to begin the negotiation process by sending an authentication request along with the user credential (e.g., the user credential stored in the data storage 135) to the application 110 a. The virtual machine 150 is preconfigured with user credential information (e.g., a unique password, challenge phrase and challenge phrase hash) that is stored in the encrypted data volume 165.

If the user is authenticated, the virtual machine 150 is programmed to instantiate a user interface that enables the user to interact (e.g., access, use, send commends, etc.) with the applications 110 a, 110 b, and 110 c via the virtual machine 150. In a preferred embodiment, the hardware (processor) 120 can generate a plurality of user interface such that a single user interface is specifically used to an individual application 110 a, 110 b, 110 c. In other embodiments, a user interface can be used for more than one application.

As mentioned above, in some embodiments, it is required that the application to have a PPEASM interface in order to communicate with the virtual machine 150. In FIG. 2, since only applications 110 a and 110 c have the add-ons (PPEASM interfaces 211 a and 211 c), the virtual machine can communicate with only applications 110 a and 110 c, but not with application 110 b.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate embodiments in which the user interacts with applications that run locally on the host device 105 via the virtual machine 150. However, in some other embodiments, the PPEASM application 130 also allows users to interact with applications that run on a remote computing device that is communicatively coupled with the host device 105.

FIG. 3 illustrate such an approach. In FIG. 3, environment 300 includes a host device 105 and applications 310 a and 310 b. The applications 310 a and 310 b may be running on the same or separate computing device, and are communicatively coupled with the host device 105 over a network 305 (e.g., the Internet, a LAN, etc.). It is also contemplated that the applications 310 a, 310 b can be a web service or a mobile application. As shown, both applications 310 a and 310 b have PPEASM interfaces 311 a and 311 b, respectively for communicating with the virtual machine 150. Using the same method as described above, the virtual machine 150 can establish a secured communication channel with the applications 310 a and 310 b over a TCP/IP networking layer via the TCP/IP messaging server 155 and the TCP/IP data streaming server 170. The virtual machine 150 can then authenticate the user to access and interact with the applications 310 a and 310 b using the method described above.

Preferably, when the secure communication channel between the PPEASM 130 and the native operating system 115 is established, the PPEASM 130 can configure the hardware (processor) 120 to establish a secure communication channel with only selected third party applications 310 a, 310 b having PPEASM interfaces 311 a, 311 b. It is contemplated that the host device 105 is pre-configured to allow the access from the virtual machine 150 only to a pre-selected third party applications. In this case, the hardware (processor) 120 can configure to generate a PPEASM interface only in those pre-selected third party applications.

FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic of an application 400 having a client interface 405 (e.g., PPEASM interface). Generally, the application communicably coupleable with the PPEASM has a client (add-on) interface 405 and the main application part 420. The client interface 405 includes a TCP/IP messaging and streaming client 410 and a module for encryption, decryption, and authentication 415. The PPEASM communicates with the application 400 through the TCP/IP messaging and streaming client 410.

Generally, the client interface 405 is an add-on software, which can be in the form of a driver, service, static or dynamic library. However, any suitable form of software that can be used as an interface is contemplated.

Another aspect of the inventive subject matter includes a method of authenticating a user to access an application having a target network address. The method begins with a step of causing a processor of a host device to instantiate a virtual machine on top of a native operating system (OS) running on the host device. Generally, the virtual machine stores user credential information associated with the user. Then the method continues with a step of instantiating, by the virtual machine, a TCP/IP messaging server having an IP address different from any IP address of the host device. Once the virtual machine is instantiated, then the virtual machine can render an encrypted messaging interface that utilizes that TCP/IP messaging server to communicate with the application over a TCP/IP networking layer. Then, the virtual machine can negotiate authentication of the user with the application by utilizing the user credential information and information received through the encrypted messaging interface.

It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C . . . and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A portable, hand-held electronic device, through which a user can anonymously utilize a host device comprising a processor to communicate with an application having a target network address, wherein the host device includes a native operating system (OS), the portable, hand-held electronic device comprises: an onboard database that stores user credential information; and an onboard memory storing software instructions that, when executed by the processor, configure the processor to perform the steps of (a) instantiating a virtual machine that runs on top of the native OS, wherein the virtual machine comprises a Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) messaging server having an IP address different from any IP address of the host device, (b) rendering an encrypted messaging interface that utilizes the TCP/IP messaging server for communicating between the virtual machine and the application over a TCP/IP networking layer, and (c) negotiating authentication of the user with the application by utilizing the user credential information and information received through the encrypted messaging interface.
 2. The portable, hand-held electronic device of claim 1, wherein the application runs on top of the native OS.
 3. The portable, hand-held electronic device of claim 1, wherein the application runs on a remote device communicatively coupled to the host device over a network.
 4. The portable, hand-held electronic device of claim 1, wherein the software instructions further configure the processor to establish a secured communication channel between the virtual machine and the application over the TCP/IP networking layer.
 5. The portable, hand-held electronic device of claim 4, wherein the software instructions further configure the processor to send the user credential information to the application through the secured communication channel.
 6. The portable, hand-held electronic device of claim 5, wherein the software instructions further configure the processor to encrypt the user credential information before sending the encrypted user credential to the target address.
 7. The portable, hand-held electronic device of claim 1, wherein the host device further comprises a network card, wherein the software instructions further configure the processor to enable the virtual machine to utilize the network card to communicate with the application via an interface of the native OS.
 8. The portable, hand-held electronic device of claim 1, wherein the user credential comprises at least one of the following: a password, a challenge phrase, and a challenge phrase hash.
 9. The portable, hand-held electronic device of claim 1, wherein the virtual machine comprises a secure Linux Kernel.
 10. The portable, hand-held electronic device of claim 1, wherein the onboard database further comprises a static read-only data volume for certificate storage and a read/write data volume for runtime work.
 11. The portable, hand-held electronic device of claim 1, wherein the software instructions further configure the processor to decrypt the information.
 12. The portable, hand-held electronic device of claim 1, wherein the software instructions further configure the processor to provide a user interface that enables the user to interact with the application via the virtual machine.
 11. A method of authenticating a user to access an application having a target network address, comprising: causing a processor of a host device to instantiate a virtual machine on top of a native operating system (OS) running on the host device, wherein the virtual machine stores user credential information associated with the user; instantiating, by the virtual machine, a Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) messaging server having an IP address different from any IP address of the host device; rendering, by the virtual machine, an encrypted messaging interface that utilizes that TCP/IP messaging server to communicate with the application over a TCP/IP networking layer; and negotiating, by the virtual machine, authentication of the user with the application by utilizing the user credential information and information received through the encrypted messaging interface.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the application runs on top of the native OS.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the application runs on a remote device communicatively coupled to the host device over a network.
 14. The method of claim 11, further comprising establishing a secured communication channel between the virtual machine and the application over the TCP/IP networking layer.
 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising sending, by the virtual machine, the user credential information to the application through the secured communication channel.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the software instructions further configure the processor to encrypt the user credential information before sending it the target address.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein sending the user credential information comprises utilizing a network card of the host device to send the user credential information to the application via an interface of the native OS.
 18. The method of claim 11, wherein the user credential comprises at least one of the following: a password, a challenge phrase, and a challenge phrase hash.
 19. The method of claim 1, wherein the virtual machine comprises a secure Linux Kernel.
 20. The method of claim 1, further comprising decrypting the information received through the encrypted messaging interface.
 21. The method of claim 11, further comprising enabling the user to interact with the application via the virtual machine. 